Page 21 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

“I didn’t realize I looked so offensive.” She says, somewhat miffed.

“Look, I didn’t mean to offend you, Piper. It’s just that I’ve got boys coming through this place night and day, and I don’t want any of them getting an eye full. I want y’all to look professional, so they don’t make you feel uncomfortable.”

I turn around to face her. She’s got her arm over her chest now, and her feet are on the floor. I watch her nod. “Okay. I see your point.” Her eyes are like dinner plates.

With a nod, I say. “Thank you.” I blink twice, and then add something I didn’t expect I’d add. “You’re a beautiful girl, Piper. I’d hate for anyone to get the wrong impression of you, darlin’.” I take my plate to the sink and wash it up. I hear her sniff and walk up to me, still holding her arms over her chest. As I turn around, I swear I can see a tear forming in her eye.

“Thank you, Billy. I appreciate your honesty.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t know much else but honesty.”

She gives me a tight-lipped grin and then, before I can stop her, she wraps her arms around my middle, giving me a friendly hug that I don’t expect. Despite the voice inside my head, screaming, telling me that this is totally inappropriate. And, for the record, it’s Cassidy’s voice that’s inside my head, by the way. Anyway, despite that voice, I wrap my arms around her and kiss her head, adding salt to the wound. “You don’t have to do any of that on my account, love. It doesn’t matter to me, either way.”

When she pulls back, she immediately puts her arm over her chest, and I smile and chuckle. She sees my reaction and snorts a laugh. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

“They’re just...staringrightat me.” I laugh.

“Well, I’m glad you pointed it out to me.”

“Theypointed it out to me.”

She laughs out loud and then gives me a playful slap. “Okay. I’m going to go put a sweater on now.”

“You do that, darlin’. Before my brother comes over here. He doesn’t know you’re living here, by the way, so consider yourself warned.”

“Uh oh....” She says, half comedic, half worried. “Is he going to freak out?”

I draw in a deep breath. “In a manner of speaking, yes. He’s also promised to tell my folks, which is going to cause problems. The whole town’s going to know in a matter of hours. That’s why I suggested more professional attire.”

“Gotcha.” She clucks her teeth and salutes. “I’ll go to the thrift store today and grab more stuff.”

I pull my wallet out. “Na, don’t do that. My mama goes to a girl named Lilly in town. She runs Lilly’s Shoppe. I’ll give you my credit card and you go buy yourself some nice things.”

Her eyes widen. “I’m not taking your credit card, Billy. That’s so...Pretty Woman.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Doyouhave a credit card?”

A hand goes on her hip. “Up until about twelve hours ago, I was homeless. Do you honestly think I have a credit card?”

“Well, I know that you don’t have the money, Piper, so how else are you going to manage?”

“I told you I’ll go to the thrift store.”

My hand goes to her hand, as I remove her arm from her chest. “Is that where you got this lovely ensemble? And that paper thin T-shirt you were wearing last night? Just where did all your clothes get to, Piper?”

That hits a nerve. She swallows. “My folks burned all my clothes when I ran away. Crystal, my dormmate, loaned me some while I was in school, but once I came home, I didn’t have much but this.”

“And what’s the harm in taking my credit card and picking yourself up a thing or two, hm? Consider it a clothing budget for your job, Piper. Lots of companies do that.”

She stands there, blinking.

“Oh my God, I’ve done it.” I say, eyes dancing. “I’ve rendered you speechless.” I pull my credit card out of my wallet, pinching it between my index and middle fingers, like I’m holding a cigarette.

She smirks. “And how can you afford to do that? You’re building a ranch, Billy. I’m guessing you can barely afford to pay me, let alone cover a clothing budget.”

I tilt my head and pull her hand to mine, clasping her fingers over the card. “I came into some money after I came home from fighting overseas, Piper. That’s why I bought this ranch. I got it for a bargain basement price and I’m using my money to invest in it. Y’all don’t need to worry about what’s in my wallet.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh yeah, I forgot you were in the military.”

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